Harry came in, a huge smile on his face. He gave Sirius a long hug, as if he couldn't convince himself completely that he was actually back. Then the three men settled in the living room.
"Here's my surprise : some holidays together. Me and Ginny, you two, Tonks and Teddy, of course, and Hermione. I invited Ron as well, be he declined. I'd had little time, so far, to take interest in my possessions. But among them, there's a nice villa at the Lago di Como. My grand-parents used to have some nice time there. As Hogwart's spring holidays will begin in one week, Remus will be free to go. Hermione will have some free time too, now she has completed her mission", he added, smiling to Sirius. "I'm sure Tonks can come too, as we work in the same team. What do you think ?"
"That's great, Harry, I've never been there and neither has Dora. Let's do that", said Remus.
"Yes", added Sirius, "I've been there once with James and his parents. It's beautiful."
"Well, that's settled", smiled Harry. "And tonight, we all have dinner at my place. Did you ask your mother-in-law if they could come ?" he asked Remus.
"Of course, she'll be there. Andromeda was so glad to hear the news. She wants to see her favorite cousin as soon as possible."
"My God", whispered Sirius, "I've not seen her since 17 years. When I was sent to Azkaban, she was at St Mungo, recovering from the Cruciatus Curse, and Ted was in hiding with Nymphadora. And she was in hiding again when I escaped. Apparently Bellatrix had made it her personal crusade to destroy her own sister and all her family. No wonder that Tonks joined the Order as soon as she was of age."
"Yes", sighed Remus. "That's why we were so afraid when she was submitted to the Cruciatus again for having helped Harry. The first time, it had taken years for her to recover properly. Fortunately, it was not the case the second time. All in all, she has been luckier than the Longbottoms. "
"We'll have my in-laws too", said Harry, "and Ron. You'll meet his girlfriend, Amanda. She's a Muggle-born, two years younger than us. She's rather nice, if a little shy."
Just at this moment, Hermione apparated in her living room.
"What are you talking about ?" she asked.
"About dinner at my place, tonight. And about our holidays. You're still up for it ?"
"Of course", she smiled. The prospect of spending time with her friends, and above all with Sirius, after so many months of solitary work, was more than welcome.
"I have news myself", she added, looking at Sirius. "Kingsley wants your innocence to be publicised as widely as possible. Tomorrow there will be a solemn ceremony at the Ministry. Kingsley will make a speech and give you back your wand. All the officials will be there, and the foreign ambassadors. Your rehabilitation will receive a large media coverage in the Muggle world as well. So we all have to get ourselves ready. Sirius, we'll have to find you a ceremony robe."
Sirius frowned. "Is all that really necessary ?"
"Yes, it is", replied Hermione firmly. "And we must be glad that we have Kinglsy as Prime Minister. He'll do whatever it takes to clear up all doubts about your innocence."
"Well, I'm sure Kingsley will improve many things at the Ministry. So he could as well get us rid of that silly dress code."
Hermione knew that Sirius's light words were hiding his discomfort at the prospect of being exposed to the public gaze. What would it be like, after spending so many years alone, or in hiding, or in an indistinct place between life and death ?
"I'm sure you'll look good in a ceremony robe, she said with a teasing smile. All your ancestors did, as far as I know from Grimauld Place's portraits gallery."
Short chapter, sorry. But the next one is coming soon.